Spotted®: United Way HandsOn Savannah honors volunteers

United Way HandsOn Savannah on Wednesday honored community volunteers (from left to right) Clinton Cail, Lois Roberson, Brenda Hardin, Carol Greenberg and Melonie Kinert, as well as Windsor Forest High and Gratitude Gardens. Marcus E. Howard/Savannah Morning News

Brenda Hardin receives the Volunteer of the Year Award from presenters Russ Riesinger and Tina Tyus-Shaw at United Way HandsOn Savannah's annual awards ceremony. Marcus E. Howard/Savannah Morning News

Brenda Hardin receives the Volunteer of the Year Award from presenters Russ Riesinger and Tina Tyus-Shaw at United Way HandsOn Savannah's annual awards ceremony. Marcus E. Howard/Savannah Morning News

Brenda Hardin lost her sight more than four years ago to the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. But instead of defeat, she overcame her disability to help others find their way out of darkness.

On Wednesday, United Way HandsOn Savannah awarded Hardin its annual Herschel V. Jenkins Volunteer of the Year Award, honoring the late community volunteer and philanthropist who believed in the work of the United Way. She was selected overall among a handful of volunteer award recipients.

Following vocational rehabilitation training in 2009 at the Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision, Hardin became a board member as well as a mentor and friend to students. She also serves as the center’s official tour guide.

“My has heart gotten bigger, and I will be doing more volunteering for the blind community and the disabled,” she said after receiving the award, which came with a $1,000 donation to blind center.

Wednesday’s 34th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards luncheon at Savannah Station honored volunteers in five categories from a field of more than 66 nominees who collectively volunteered more than 50,000 hours with an estimated value of $900,000.

• The Environment/Conservation Award went to Windsor Forest High School FFA and Gratitude Gardens.

• Hardin also won the Health & Human Services Award.

• A $500 scholarship award, sponsored by NuStar Asphalt LLC, was presented to youth nominee Clinton Cail for his service though the Isle of Hope United Methodist Mission Programs.

Guest speaker Aidan Thomas Hornaday of Marietta, the 12-year-old founder of Aidan Cares, which raises money and awareness for children in need, told the audience of about 300 people that they were models for how to serve others.

He said his organization recently assisted the family of a 6-year-old boy battling brain and spinal cancer with getting a new sport utility vehicle and everyday household items.

“I really want to impact and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Hornaday. “A lot of people run from need, but we need to run to need.”